DALTON PAPALI’I

Position
Loose forward

Blues debut
2018 vs Chiefs

Blues caps
78

Blues points
75

Born
11/10/97

Height
193cm

Weight
113kg

Province
Counties Manukau

Dalton has come through the Auckland and Blues development programme. A former Saint Kentigern College and Auckland Under-19 captain, Dalton was part of the 2017 Junior World Championship winning New Zealand team.

The loose forward joined the Blues Under-18 squad before going on to captain the Blues Under-20s in 2016 and the Blues A team in 2017. Dalton has been a double winner of the Blues Development Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017.

In 2018 he made his Super Rugby debut against the Chiefs as a second half replacement. His second game for the Blues saw him score an incredible solo try against the Sunwolves, dotting down after running past no less than five defenders.

Dalton carried his rich vein of form into Auckland’s Mitre 10 Cup campaign, leading the competition tackle statistics and battering defences with his hard running. Such displays saw Dalton called into the 32-man All Blacks squad for their northern tour to Japan and Europe.

With an All Blacks tour under his belt, 2019 saw Dalton become a regular feature in the Blues back row earning 21 caps in total. Another All Blacks call up beckoned during the Rugby Championship, playing against the Springboks in Wellington.

With plenty of experienced All Black internationals departing at the end of the World Cup, Dalton was fast becoming one of the best loose forwards in the country. He led the tackle count of Super Rugby Aotearoa, scored several well taken tries all while his leadership qualities were shining through.

Papali’i was selected in both the North squad for ‘North v South’ and the All Blacks Rugby Championship winning campaign at the end of the 2020 season.

Dalton began 2021 the same way he finished 2020, with ferocious defence, incredible tackle counts and numerous turn-overs. His form was such that, following an unfortunate injury to the incumbent All Black captain, Dalton became the first choice open side during the 2021 Rugby Championship.

At the top of his game, Papali’i earned the Blues captaincy in 2022 and 2023 under Head Coach Leon MacDonald. His performances didn’t waiver, showing a level of consistency, effort and power in the number seven jersey. He led the team to a final in 2022 and semi-final in 2023 while also earning selection in the Rugby World Cup squad in France. 

Dalton has cemented his reputation as one of New Zealand’s most abrasive and physical flankers. He has 68 Blues caps to his name going into the 2024 season and will be looking to lead with his actions for another Super Rugby Pacific campaign.